Kimberly Menozzi, Author

This week, I ran a bit late (again) in trying to get a Thursday Thirteen post up. Since I'm a tad pooped, I thought I'd do a quick photo post with a pretty simple theme. After all, I'm coming down to the wire with 27 Stages, and hope to have it wrapped up pretty soon.

So, in the meantime, I hope you'll be entertained with these

Ciao for now!

1) Enjoy some mimosas - these flowers are the symbol of International Women's Day (at least they are in Italy).

2) If you're so inclined, you could enjoy the other mimosas, too.

One part champagne, one part orange juice (traditionally, anyway).

I wouldn't mind that myself, actually.

Hmmm...

3) Find a quiet place to get away from it all.

4) Or go a little crazy instead.

5) You could don the sombrero of festivity!

6) You could have a tasty coffee made to order.

7) You could have a nice dinner at home. (Yes, it's one pizza per person in Italy.)

8) You could get your "do" done.

(Yes, I know this picture is of my hubby and my hairdresser - but there are no photos of me getting my hair done.


That's my story and I'm stickin' with it.)

9) You could go to a concert.

10) Or, you could go to a different kind of show.

11) You could flake out on the sofa and have a nap.

12) You could curl up with a good book.

13) Or, perhaps, if you're not already registered, you could go out and register to vote.

And then you should vote in every election.

Regardless of your political affiliation, you can't deny the need for women to make their voices heard.

And then, after you've done all these things,


















you can hop on the internet and come by my site again.
















Because if there's one thing you know for sure, it's this:




























I'm celebratin'!

Just a quick post as I find myself nearing the end of my first draft of my current WiP. Since that's something which is making me very happy (so near to the end - so near!!!), I thought I'd share a few more things which have made or are currently making me happy.

So please allow me to present:

Being able to see the planets with the naked eye. Why should seeing the planets make me happy? Because it's not often we're able to see them so clearly where I live.

I got to show them to my hubby last night, which he thought was totally cool. That made me happy.

Finding out I sold a few copies of my ebooks via Kobo in January (and only just found out) makes me pretty happy too. Then again, any sale of my books makes me pretty darned happy.

This music video makes me happy. From the opening bird calls to the ending with the granddad and child walking away in a dusting of snow, and most importantly - the new song these things frame - I'm a happy camper all the way through.

Happy Fabian Cancellara (pictured at one of the launches for his autobiography)? Yup - he makes me happy!

As for his trousers in this pic? I'm figuring it's a Swiss thing.

Fabian's tweets always make me happy, because Fabianese (his unique take on the English language) is a joy to behold!

She drives me crazy - to the point I want to strangle her, sometimes - but when she's being cute and cuddly and sweet... My Doodlebug makes me happy.

The video clip below makes me happy. The whole show does, actually. Then again, the fact my hubby and I recite this to each other roughly once a day is enough to keep me in a happy state of mind.

The Sherlock Holmes films make me happy.

For a number of reasons.

The snow made me happy. I miss it already - which doesn't make me happy.

But I'll remember it fondly, which does make me happy.

Moments of unexpected silliness with my niece - especially when they feature my hubby? Yup, those make me happy!

I'm happy because the Strade Bianche road race is this weekend - the Classics season is kicking off! Woo-hooo!!!

Of course, the thing which has made me the happiest has been spending time with my hubby - especially on Tuesday night, as we celebrated our eighth wedding anniversary.

So there you go: Thirteen Things Which Make Me Happy!






I hope some of them might have made you happy, too.












I'm sure you've all got things which cheer you up on a bad day, or which brighten an already pleasant one.











And in that spirit, I offer you this:






Look how happy he is!

This week, in light of the fact I'm doing a live interview on Blog Talk Radio, I thought I'd do a little bragging and share some positive news about the book I'll be discussing there tonight.

So please allow me to present to you:

1) Author Cameron Chapman had this to say on Goodreads:

"This is an absolutely beautiful book, a seamless blending of romance and literary fiction. The characters are well-portrayed and easy to relate to. The settings come alive and this is where the author's first-hand experience really shines. My only caveat would be to keep your Italian dictionary close at hand! (Though the inclusion of some Italian words and phrases does lend a wonderful sense of realism to the overall story.) Highly recommended!"

2) "Moira" had this to say on Amazon.co.uk:

"I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Some really likeable characters and a not so likeable mother. Heartily recommend this one except that I now want to go back to Italy!!"

3) "Gini" said this on Amazon.com:

"Having lived in Italy and been to some of the places mentioned in the book helps a lot to feel like you are there. But if the author doesn't manage to bring over the story in a way it feels so realistic, true... it doesn't matter if you would even live there.

Kimberly Menozzi did a superb job with this and combined it with an absolutely beautiful story. The describtion of the main characters, the places they visited, the things they said .... I loved it and would just reread it again. I so miss not reading it at this moment and catch myself thinking about the story many times."

4) On Amazon.com, author/editor Christopher Allen said:

"Ask me if I liked it 
I did.

Emily Miller hasn't had much luck in the area of trust. We first meet her as she's trying to leave Italy after a difficult divorce, but when fate brings Davide into her life, she must re-evaluate her future and her concept of home.

Ask Me if I'm Happy is a delicately observed romance with a 14-page "climax," and I don't think any reader out there would have a doubt in her mind whether Emily is happy at this point.

But the plot takes a turn . . . . I read the last 75 pages holding my breath.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel for its attention to emotional detail, for its believable characters, and for the Italian. Fantastico!"

5) Robert Stermscheg had this to say on Amazon.com:

"Love recaptured
If the program allowed, I would give this review 4.5 out of 5(as opposed to 4). This is simply a love story and not a melodramatic drama. It's well-written, engaging, but not predictable. Ms. Menozzi's introduction to 'small town' Italy was cleverly thought out and subtly brings the reader into a comfortable familiarity with town life as well as the characters. What was refreshing for me(as a man) was that the protagonist, Davide, was depicted in a favorable light; a man, an educated man, who has passion but is able to control his inner urges. Likewise, Emilia, though dealing with a difficult breakup, comes across as a vulnerable, yet classy lady. A good story. Bravo! Ms. Menozzi."

6) Book Shelf Reviews on Facebook said:

"An absolutely fantastic book full of restrained passion, think Brief encounter or Strangers on a train. The anticipation builds until the reader is nearly bursting. A must for romantics everywhere and should be made compulsory reading for males."

7) Storm Goddess Reviews said:

"My thoughts - Ask Me If I'm Happy will make a believer out of you. Whether or not you believe in love at first sight, this story will hold your heart in the palm of its hands and you'll feel the gentle tugs on your heart strings.  Set in Italy, the main characters of this book have had their fair share of heartache and pain. For them to take a chance at love again makes for a poignant, moving story. Both parts romance and literary fiction, there's a little bit for everyone. The emotional portion is like a sucker punch to the gut. The author has done an amazing job creating such a flowing pace, outstanding characters, and a setting that's not overly described but gives plenty for the reader's imagination."

8) "LBJ" said this on Amazon.com:

"This book has so much to offer I'm not sure where to begin. With Emily, Ms. Menozzi gives us a woman who is has found her own quiet strength. I love the way this strength is portrayed, not with and overwhelming show of force, but with a gentle nudge and a firm backbone. The balance is portrayed with great skill.

I have to mention the wonderful way Ms. Menozzi captures Italy, its sights, people, and the little quirks of the culture.

This book is highly recommended. I loved it and look forward to more titles by this author."

9) "Lindy Lou Mac" said this on her various review sites, as well as Amazon:

Ask Me If I'm Happy is a strong romantic novel strengthened by the setting and the use of the Italian language, which make this novel a perfect read, not only for fans of romantic novels but those who love all things Italian. The Italian presence is very evident and the author shares her flaws not just her beauty.

The two protagonists are Emily Miller and Davide Magnani they fall in love at first sight! I am not sure I believe in this actually being love when there is an instant chemistry between two people. I think love and true friendship is something that grows from those first attractions. It is not a simple relationship though as these feelings strike on the day Emily is leaving Italy to return to her native America, she thinks for ever after having had her heart broken by another Italian male. We all know that the path of true love is never simple and these two certainly have a rollercoaster of a relationship with coincidences, lies and hidden truths all getting in the way before Davide is able to convince Emily that Italy is where she should be.

Kimberly's writing is very realistic and her characters all feel very believable while her descriptions will make you feel you are in Italy. As I am not a great fan of too good to be true romance I was at times a little frustrated with their behaviour but I got caught up in the dream. I was a little surprised that I enjoyed this as much as I did. I think it was because of the talent of this young lady in her portrayal of a modern love affair.

10) Book Stack Reviews said this:

"Ask Me if I’m Happy is a contemporary love story, with a strong romantic core. The setting of Italy and use of the Italian language strengthen, not only the passion in the book, but, the passion in the characters. The characters of Emily and Davide are believable and heart warming and you will find yourself rooting for their love, even after their first 24 hours in Bologna. A few twists and turns keep the story fresh and interesting. Vivid imagery and description keep you engaged with the characters.

★★★★☆

Why you will like it

A modern love affair set against an old romantic backdrop. Likeable characters. Romantic core, yet a strong story."

11) Silvia Mazzobel of the Book After Book review blog said:

"While organising the “Italy in Books” reading challenge, someone on Twitter suggested that I read Ask Me If I’m Happy, debut novel of American-born Kimberly Menozzi. Curious, I started reading her blog and I was instantly hooked on her fresh and witty writing style. So much, in fact, that I just had to invite her to be a guest blogger on Book After Book!

It was with trepidation that this month I picked up my copy of Ask Me If I’m Happy and started reading. Having developed great expectations, I was concerned that I might end up being disappointed. I’m glad to report that I needn’t have worried!

...I don’t want to give away too much. I want you to read this book and experience first-hand the joy of getting to know Kimberly’s tri-dimensional characters. You will cheer their bravery and be frustrated when they can’t see what is in front of their eyes. At times, their romance will seem too good to be true, but Emily and Davide are such credible characters that you will be happy to suspend your disbelief and dream along.

And what can I say about the way Italy is portrayed? Simply. Brilliant. Italy is very much the third main character of this novel. Sometimes it sits quietly in the background and sometimes it comes forward in all its splendour. The exaltation of food flavours and textures, the colourful descriptions of people and places… they all help create a genuine picture of Italy, which is not idyllic in any way.

Kimberly’s Italy is a place with flaws as well as merits. It is a country that can annoy you as well as make you fall in love with it. To accomplish this, you need talent. And Mrs Menozzi has plenty of it!"

12) "Debbie" said this on Amazon.com:

"Loved this book. Emily and Davide were so "real". The setting was awesome! I have been to Italy and it felt like I was there again. Thanks for the great book. Will be looking for more from you!"

13) And finally, author Greta van der Rol had this to say:

"When I first encountered this story, its name was `Connections' and having now finished reading it, I can both understand the reason for that original name and the reason why the title was changed. At its heart, this is a love story made complicated by the two main players' pasts. This isn't a story about a beautiful woman and a billionaire and there's not a bare-chested highlander in sight. Emily is past her first youth and she has ample curves which would render her ineligible for the catwalk; Davide is an academic. They stumble across each other and then realise as time goes by that there are connections between them stemming from their past.

This isn't an action-packed, fast-paced novel. It's a gentle exploration of character as we learn more and more about what makes Emily and Davide tick, what fuels their uncertainties, what holds them back, what ghosts from the past look over their shoulders. The difference in nationality (Emily is an American who has lived in Italy for ten years, while Davide is a native of Bolgna) are nicely portrayed. I especially enjoyed the intimate glimpses of the medieval city of Bolgna and the culture of its natives. You can smell the food, feel your way down the winding alleys, enjoy the glimpse of the canal, see the square with its statue of Neptune. I think, also, that the author has understood the difference between men and women when it comes to sex and how reactions can be misinterpreted.

Yes, it is a romance but I think the novel will appeal to readers who like character-driven, real-life stories. I enjoyed the read."

I know I sure do.

Ciao for now!

Whoops! Time has gotten away from me, today - so I'm just going to have to throw together a quick Thursday Thirteen for y'all.

The reason I'm coming up short is that I've been writing and I've been watching the end of the Tour of Qatar stages every day. As a result, my scheduling has been a little wonky.

And so, this week, I shall present to you a few of my favorites, which I'm sure I've shared before, but I doubt you'll mind:

And a bonus one for contrast.

Ciao for now!

Found myself in a bit of a time crunch as I've been writing and researching and pestering people for their help with information about the book, lately.

Which is actually how this week's topic came about. So please, permit me to share with you:

1) It's a quick and easy way to see what some of my friends are up to - even better than Facebook, because the whole point of Twitter is to be concise.

2) The reason I joined Twitter in the first place: Cyclists. They're everywhere on the site - from professionals to amateurs, from hobbyists to lobbyists, and I get a real sense of community amongst them.

3) The rapid spread of information is sometimes intriguing to watch on Twitter. The attempts to clear up misinformation are, too.

4) Being able to share news with a large group of people all at once is nice. The instant feedback is gratifying, too.

5) Classic tweets are still funny, even now. I'm pleased to say I've been following my boy Fabian from the start, and I've witnessed first-hand the birth of the words "bevor" and, as seen here, "planket". This is a word used almost daily in my house.

Make of that what you will.

6) Celebrities who use Twitter. I follow only a handful, but they're generally an entertaining bunch.

7) I like the fact I've been able to do some of my research via Twitter. The community there is remarkably good about helping get the word out when you need an answer to a question. I've been able to get lots of information "straight from the horse's mouth", as they say - cyclists, cycling fans and photographers alike have shared details with me which I believe will enrich 27 Stages considerably.

8) Naturally, I've met some wonderful people on Twitter, some of whom have become friends on other social media, and even - dare I say it? - in the "real" world.

9) I mentioned, of course, that I follow professional cyclists on Twitter. I have good reason to - some of their tweets are absolutely hilarious, or at the very least they're enlightening as to what life is like during the races and during the off-season, too.
Very, very useful stuff for me.

10) I also like being kept up to date on what my fellow writers are doing. Some of the random thoughts which come out of their heads and through their keyboards are distinctly amusing. Or ouch-worthy.

11) There are "characters" on Twitter, too, such as Sockington the cat. This kitty tweets his everyday experiences for his human audience's amusement, and reassures us that all cats are, at heart, pretty much the same. Bless their fuzzy little hearts.

12) The fact that anyone can share or "retweet" someone else's posts is interesting. You get to see what your friends (and total strangers) are into. It's actually a sometimes fascinating glimpse into people's minds.

13) Self-promo. I know it's been done to death on Twitter, but some people have come up with pretty clever takes on how to promote themselves or their work on this site. I particularly enjoy being able to share the promotion of people I know and love - and their projects I believe in - with people who have thought I'm worth following. Hopefully, all this sharing will lead to something more for all of us, eh?

So there you have them: 13 Things I Like About Twitter.








Feel free to agree or disagree, if you wish.






















To be honest, I'm not entirely sure how well it works for getting the word out about my work, but I'm ever hopeful.






















I mean, I'm really an optimist at heart. Where some people see the glass as half-empty, I say the glass is... well...uh...





















I'm pretty sure I left it around here somewhere when I was reading...

1) Nicolas Roche (AG2R Mondiale)
Irish, but was born in France.

A personal favorite of mine for many reasons.

*heh*

2) Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Belgian - and has quite the party-guy reputation.

*ahem*

3) Maxime Monfort (Leopard Trek) 
Belgian.

Just watch him on the bike.

'nuff said.

4) Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Cervelo)
American

His commercials for Transitions got annoying after a while, but I wuvs me some Tyler...

5) Dave Zabriskie (Garmin-Cervelo).
American

If you search for him on Youtube, you'll turn up loads of amusing clips featuring DZ's rather odd sense of humor.  I wuv him.

6) Philippe Gilbert (Omega Pharma-Lotto)
Belgian

There are some folks who say Philippe isn't that good looking. The thing is, when he smiles, he's absolutely gorgeous!

7) Thor Husbhovd (Garmin-Cervelo) 
Norwegian.

He seems quite reserved, but I suspect he has a wild side to him.

*oh, yeah*

8) Eros Capecchi (Liquigas/Cannondale).
Italian.

Look at that smile! Just look at it!

9) Lloyd Mondory (AG2R Mondiale).
French.

I love this photo. Purrrrr...

10) Manuel Quinziato (BMC Racing Team).
Italian.

BDIPC added him to their list after his disappointment in not making it was tweeted by his teammate, Karsten Kroon.

And, of course, three of my absolute, tippity-top grade-A faves:

11) Daniele Bennati (Leopard-Trek).
Italian.

I adored him in his previous team kits, but when he was named as a part of L-T, I nearly swooned.

True story.

12) Jens Voigt (Leopard-Trek).
German.

A senior member on this list (Jens is my age, after all), he's still one of the hottest hotties in the peloton. And one of the funniest.

And one of the hardest working.

JENSIE!!!!!

13) Fabian Cancellara (Leopard-Trek).
Swiss.

Did you really think I'd leave my muse off this list?

Just look at him!

And that's this round of cycling hotties wrapped up nice and neat in a pretty little bow.







Now I must go prep myself to watch the UCI Road World Championships.















But you know I won't leave you hanging.













What with Autumn just around the corner...




















Ya gotta grab one last splash in the surf!

Ciao for now!